A hitchhiker who authorities warned was “armed and dangerous” is now in custody. Jordan Hedden was arrested in Union County, Georgia, officials say.
Over the weekend, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina warned Georgia residents that Hedden was on the loose after allegedly kidnapping a woman in North Carolina and breaking into a home in Tennessee.
The sheriff’s office did not say how Hedden was located, but social media posts and news reports asking the public to be on the lookout were widely shared. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office thanked members of the public for their assistance.
Multi-state search
On November 30, a Cherokee County resident picked up Hedden and Stephanie Neace while they were hitchhiking. Officials say Hedden then kidnapped the woman, forcing her into the backseat while he drove.
Hedded traveled to Tennessee, where, on December 2, he allegedly broke into a home with a gun. He then hitchhiked his way to Georgia, officials say.
Law enforcement in North Carolina and Tennessee issued arrest warrants for Neace and Hedden. Georgia officials arrested Neace, but Hedden remained on the run, with officials warning he posed an “immediate threat” to public safety.
Law enforcement issued a description and asked the public to remain vigilant and keep on the lookout for Hedden. They instructed anyone who saw him to avoid contact and call 911.
